What to Know About Food Impaction

One reason food may become impacted is that it is swallowed before it is chewed well. Sac C Wat’hn Buy Thna Thwi Phl / EyeEm / Getty Images What Is Food Impaction? Food impaction is common and is usually treatable. Sac C Wat’hn Buy Thna Thwi Phl / EyeEm / Getty Images However, it can be an emergency. In some cases, it can be fatal, so seeking treatment for symptoms is important....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 660 words · Anna Thompson

What to Know About Fragile X Syndrome

This article describes the symptoms of fragile X syndrome, including behavioral symptoms and possible changes in physical appearance. It explains what causes fragile X syndrome and how this condition is diagnosed and treated. It also covers inheritance, related conditions, and screening. PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou / Getty Images Not everyone with fragile X syndrome will experience all these potential issues. The problems present and their severity also may change over an individuals lifetime....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 802 words · David Harris

What to Know About Getting a Diverticulitis Diagnosis

However, these are common to many other conditions. The healthcare provider will assess your physical condition and review your medical history. Further diagnostic procedures may involve blood, urine, stool, and imaging tests. jarun011 / Getty Images Diverticular disease usually doesnt cause any symptoms. Sometimes the diverticula can become infected or inflamed (called diverticulitis) and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain. If youve been told you have diverticula or diverticular disease, its important to provide that history....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 645 words · Brenda Walton

What to Know About Glucophage (Metformin)

It is typically used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to help managetype 2 diabetes. Glucophage was one brand of metformin, but it is no longer available. Metformin belongs to a class of drugs calledbiguanides, which are derived from the French lilac flower. Nipitphon Na Chiangmai / EyeEm / Getty Images Metformin is also available as a generic. Metformin is also available as an oral solution that you drink....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 514 words · Wendy Holmes

What to Know About Glucose

Glucoseis the bodys main source of energy. You get it mainly fromcarbohydratesthat you eat, like sugar andgrains. It is carried through your blood to the cells in your body, which use it for fuel. vitapix / Getty Images The amount of glucose in your bloodstream is calledblood sugaror blood glucose. Problems can occur if this process is disrupted. Both high and low blood sugar can lead to serious health concerns....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 641 words · Kim Ferguson

What to Know About Gold Plan Health Insurance

Most of the plans available in the individual market are bronze, silver, or gold. What Does Health InsuranceValueMean? Perhaps theircopayis $35 per visit, and their insurance pays another $100 for the office visit. Steven Hunt / Getty Images But now consider the same person, with the same gold plan, developing cancer during the year. After that, the health plan pays for everything, as long as they stay in-connection. So the insurance has covered more than 98% of the total costs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 366 words · Jamie Robertson MD

What to Know About Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)

It can be painful and affect standing and walking. Cartilage is a connective tissue that acts as a protective cushion and shock absorber for the joints and bones. Other inflammatory disorders can also lead to arthritis in the toes, especially the big toe. AzmanJaka / Getty Images Hallux rigidus can be managed with nonsurgical measures, including anti-inflammatory pain relievers and wearing comfortable shoes. This article will explain hallux rigidus, its causes and symptoms, treatment, and more....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 860 words · Thomas Morris

What to Know About Heart Disease in Women

Heart diseaseis the leading cause of death in women in the United States.Women experience heart disease differently than men. Understanding these differences, including the subtle warning signs, can help women to access healthcare resources quickly. Reducing risk factors and focusing on prevention can also help improve women’s heart health. Verywell / Zoe Hansen This article covers the causes and symptoms of heart disease in women. It also discusses how women’s heart disease is treated and how it can be prevented....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 218 words · Anna Chavez

What to Know About Heart Failure and COVID-19

Nearly 1 in 3 adults with a history of heart failure died during hospitalization for COVID-19. This is almost double the in-hospital mortality for adults without heart failure. Blood clots can create even more problems for people with heart failure because they can further impede blood flow. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi For people whose hearts are already weakened by heart failure, this additional injury can prove deadly. In severe cases, implants or surgeries may be required....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 332 words · Dr. Gabrielle Brewer

What to Know About Heart Rate Zones

Heart rateis measured by the number of times your heart beats in one minute. Your heart rate can give information about how hard your heart is working during a particular activity. Count the number of beats within 60 seconds. The Good Brigade / Getty Images The Good Brigade / Getty Images What Are Heart Rate Zones? Maximum heart rate varies from person to person. you’re free to then use this estimate as a rough guide for monitoring your heart rate zones....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 659 words · Desiree Robinson

What to Know About Hepatitis B Vaccines

Which of the 3 options is right for you? By generating enough antibodies, the body can ward off infection if exposed to the virus. The vaccines are each delivered by injection. Westend61/Getty Images Uses Hepatitis B vaccines prevent all subtypes of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). They are used for primary immunization, which means making a person immune to a disease. In 2018 and again in 2021, the ACIP updated itsguidelines for hepatitis Bfollowing the FDA approval of Heplisav-B....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 375 words · Jonathan Mcguire

What to Know About Hibiscus for Health

That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Scientific evidence from human, animal, and lab studies point to numerous potential health benefits of hibiscus. Penpak Ngamsathain / Getty Images Stronger research is needed to reach conclusions on hisbiscus’s benefits. The research behind some of the more popular uses of hibiscus is outlined below. In one study, adults with diagnosed stage 1 hypertension were divided into two groups....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 912 words · Stephanie Rodriguez

What to Know About High Immunoglobulin (IgE) Levels

It can sometimes also be elevated for other reasons, such as chronic infections or inflammatory diseases. When your IgE levels are high, additional testing is often needed depending on your symptoms. This article discusses IgE and what high levels of this antibody could mean. Philippe Roy / Getty Images It also discusses how high IgE is diagnosed and treated. What Is IgE? IgE is naturally produced by B cell lymphocytes, a pop in of immune white blood cell....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 420 words · Amanda Williams